Senators and congressmen representing Ohio expressed joy and relief late Sunday at news that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

“As Americans, we will never forget the September 11 attacks, the 3,000 lives lost, and the effect on countless families across our nation,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said in a statement. “This is a victory for all Americans and a testament to the sacrifice of our service members and their families, and the American intelligence community.”

President Barack Obama announced before midnight that bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks against the United States, was killed in a fire fight in Pakistan conducted by a U.S. team.

“Justice has been done,” Obama said during a national broadcast.

Celebrations broke out in several places including outside of the White House.

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, said no one should question the nation’s resolve in protecting citizens against those who pose threats.

“We all remember where we were and how we felt watching the terrible footage of that awful moment in American history. Now, we will all remember where we were when we heard that Osama bin Laden was brought to justice,” Turner said. “While our efforts to protect freedom must continue, this is a significant day for our military, our counter intelligence agencies, and the men, women and children who were affected on that September day.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, planned to make a statement today.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@foxohio.com.